From early memories of a bayou Nutcracker to inspiration from choreographer Alvin Ailey and playwright Ntozake Shange, TAI ALEXANDER brings a wealth of passion and insight to her work as Managing Director of Ally Theatre Company and her role in its premiere of #poolparty. Get the inside scoop in this week’s Take Ten!

1) What was the first show you ever saw, and what impact did it have?

There are actually two shows that stick out most in my memory as being deeply moving for me as a child, The Baton Rouge Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou (set in the swamp of course—because Louisiana) and a touring production of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations. I was in awe of the Ailey dancers, and I wanted to be like them in their ability to create such a spiritual and soul-stirring experience for the audience through movement and music. I eventually got the opportunity to perform in the Nutcracker, which has become an annual tradition for me, and it still is one of the most beautiful musical scores I have heard.

2) What was your first involvement in a theatrical production?

Other than plays at church, my first theatrical experience was a high school production of Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf. I was the Lady in Red and performed the piece, “no assistance,” which is still one of my favorite monologues.

3) What’s your favorite play or musical, and why do you like it so much?

The first Broadway musical I fell in love with is Jelly’s Last Jam. It was the first musical score that I listened to so much that it warped. I would make up choreography and perform it in front of my family. Again, I’m a sucker for a good Louisiana story and tap is my favorite style of dance. I recently saw Signature’s production, which was glorious!

4) What’s the worst day job you ever took?

Though I would not characterize any of my past day jobs as “worst”, I spent a few years in high school and college working at Victoria’s Secret part-time. The “worst” had more to do with the obnoxious and sometimes harassing comments some patrons would make in the name of looking to purchase a gift for a significant other. Let’s just say I’d much rather be cast in Lynn Nottage’s Intimate Apparel than to sell intimate apparel in the mall again, though the free merchandise was pretty cool.

5) What is your most embarrassing moment in the theatre?

Forgetting lines is always mortifying for me, but if the line hiccups I’ve had to date can remain my “most” embarrassing moments I’ll be ok with that.

I am enjoying the new connections to my life and the world around me I find each time I do the show. Though I play Regina in the cast, I find parts of myself and my life’s journey each of the other characters. Also, this cast is just a great group of people to work with.

I will preface this by saying that I know and respect that he is married with a child, but I would love to hangout with Leslie Odom, Jr. He seems to have (obviously I can’t really know) the most beautiful and humble spirit, not to mention he could sing my research statistics textbook and I would swoon. I recently read his book, Failing Up, and it was a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance for the artistic journey.

8) What is your dream role/job?

I’m not sure it’s been created yet.

9) If you could travel back in time, what famous production or performance would you choose to see?

The original production of Funny Girl, with Barbra Streisand.

10) What advice would you give to an 8-year-old smitten by theatre / for a graduating MFA student?